Small business sales are experiencing a notable surge, with completed transactions rising to 2,599 in the third quarter of 2025, an 8% increase from the previous year, according to BizBuySell’s Q3 2025 Insight Report. Despite this growth in deal activity, owner confidence has declined, falling below neutral on the Buyer-Seller Confidence Index due to ongoing inflation and rising operational costs. Over half of small business owners report higher expenses related to tariffs, and 62% indicate that inflationary pressures have not eased. Amidst these challenges, 55% of business owners believe they can achieve their desired sale price now, while 60% worry that waiting could yield lower offers. The median sale price has decreased to $320,044, reflecting a 2% drop year-over-year, as higher costs are eroding profitability for sellers. Interestingly, many buyers are motivated by a desire for autonomy, with 40% identified as “corporate refugees” looking for new opportunities in essential service sectors like HVAC, plumbing, and landscaping. As the market remains competitive, brokers advise sellers to focus on readiness rather than market conditions.
Why do we care?
So, small business sales are up — but don’t mistake that for everyone getting rich. The latest BizBuySell report shows deals up 8%, but confidence is down, and sale prices are actually slipping a bit. Inflation, tariffs, and higher costs are squeezing margins, so a lot of owners are selling now before things get worse.
Here’s the twist — buyers aren’t venture types. They’re “corporate refugees,” folks leaving big companies to buy stable service businesses like HVAC and plumbing. And that’s where it gets interesting for IT providers. These buyers need tech setups fast — phones, scheduling, billing, cybersecurity — but they’re not experts. They want reliable, predictable systems.
That’s your entry point. Offer startup-friendly packages that make running the business easier without big overhead. And if you’re an MSP owner thinking of your own exit, this report’s a reminder — valuations depend on documentation, contracts, and margin discipline. The market’s moving, but it’s a buyer’s game now.